Big Fat Cruise Wrap

Punta Colorada, Isla San Jose, Sea of Cortz, Baja California, Mexico

It’s our darling Cruise Wrap, back for another booming Wednesday. Although it does come sans any witty puns or Titanic jokes, such is our sleep deprivation and hangover.

Scenic Returns to Egypt and Jordan

Scenic is returning to the Middle East, releasing its first tours to the region since 2013. In its new Ancient Wonders of Egypt and Jordan 2018/2019 brochure, Scenic invites travellers to step back in time and soak up the wonders of ancient Egypt and Jordan during three brand new itineraries.

The Kingdom of Jordan Unveiled can be completed as a standalone tour, or combined with Egypt as the 20 day Essence of Egypt and Jordan, priced from $14,995* per person twin share, which encompasses the best of both ancient worlds.

To mark the release of The Ancient Wonders of Egypt and Jordan, Scenic is offering a fantastic fly free offer – a saving of up to $4,820* per couple – for bookings of 10 days or longer made by 15 November 2017. Business class offers are also available, while solo travellers to Egypt can save 75 per cent off the single supplement in selected categories on the Nile cruise.

Scenic guests can opt to extend their Middle Eastern experience with pre or post tour stopovers in Dubai or Israel, and in South Africa, guests can enjoy a journey on the iconic Blue Train prior to their tour departure.

All Scenic tours feature accommodation at the finest hotels available, the services of a dedicated and experienced tour director and knowledgeable local guides, transfers, transport – including internal flights, and all tipping and gratuities. The Ancient Wonders of Egypt and Jordan brochure is available now.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic and Exhale have partnered with Exhale to launch Wellness Voyages

BAJA15_15098

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have partnered with lifestyle brand, Exhale,  kicking off with a series of three- and four-day voyages.The Base Camp Baja voyages will explore Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida, among the most spectacular regions within the Sea of Cortez, aboard the 30-cabin National Geographic Sea Bird. There will be seven Base Camp Baja departures, beginning in December 2017 and extending through January 2018.

National Geographic Seabird will serve as a floating base camp with the revitalising solitude of nature as the platform. Guests can customise each day of the journey as they wish:  snorkel, kayak, stand-up paddle board, challenge body and mind through exhale wellbeing programs, and enjoy evenings with beachside bonfires and barbecues.

Through the partnership with exhale, guests can indulge in healthy exhale-branded activities and wellbeing programs led by an exhale fitness teacher, spa therapist or an exhale-trained Lindblad Wellness specialist. Guests can transform through Core Fusion Barre, Bootcamp, and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes as well as exhale Power Yoga classes on deck, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) yoga, transformational mindfulness hikes, and assisted stretching. Hour-long neck and shoulder massages will be offered prior to evening cocktails, while exhale Chill Yoga classes will be offered in the evening, alongside group guided meditation.

Rates begin at US$1,990 per person based on double occupancy in a category one cabin for the 3-night voyage, and US$2,650 for the 4-night voyage – both include free bar tab.

Coral Expeditions Launches Coastal Trek Cruise in Tasmania

thumbnail_coral-expeditions-tasmania-wineglass-bay-explorer-cmyk

Coral Expeditions has launched a new ‘hike and cruise’ itinerary in Tasmania in January 2018. On the seven-night cruise guests will be able explore the rugged beauty of Tasmania by ship and on foot. Led by experienced local bush walker hosts, Angus and Alison Moore, who have extensive knowledge of Tasmanian flora and fauna, guests will be given a truly immersive experience on some of Tasmania’s best walking tracks.

Highlights include: Mt Beattie, located close to the raw and remote wilderness of Port Davey; Cape Hauy, a slightly more challenging walk which covers a dramatic section of the Three Capes Walk; and the Fluted Cape walk on Bruny Island which blends rich history, magnificent scenery, prolific wildlife and offers expansive views across the Tasman Peninsula.

As well as unrivalled coastal trekking, Tasmania also offers world renowned produce, a thriving artisanal culture, and is home to the legendary Port Arthur Historic site; a jewel in the crown of convict history. Guests are offered a private tour and tasting at award winning Grandvewe Cheeses, a unique insight into the craftsmanship of wooden ship building in Franklin, and a ‘behind the scenes’ tour, guided by a resident archaeologist at Port Arthur.

Coral Expeditions’ Coastal Treks of Tasmania, itinerary departs 15th January 2018. Prices start from $4,990 per person.

Carnival Cruise Line Honeyboomers Sale

Carnival Cruise Line have launched a Honeyboomers sale, so free-spirited couples looking to reconnect and have fun can book their next adventure around the South Pacific.

The promotion offers couples reduced fares on twin cabins and up to $150 spa and $150 bar credit per cabin, to ensure they make the most out of their holiday. The offer is available now until August 31 on selected cruises.

The Carnival Legend has four departure dates starting with an eight day cruise on 6 November to New Caledonia starting at $849, followed by a nine day cruise on 27 November to New Caledonia starting at $999.

The ten day cruise departing on 24 March 2018 to New Caledonia and Vanuatu started from $1,249, and the twelve day cruise on 11 November 2017 to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji starts from $1,349.

Crystal Unveils New ‘Getaways’ for 2017 Ocean and River Sailings

Crystal unveils brand new “Crystal Getaways” for both Crystal Cruises and Crystal River Cruises. The Crystal Getaways – which span the globe to include the British Isles, Western Europe, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe along the Rhine River – are shortened itineraries of existing longer voyages, allowing travellers to experience Crystal’s celebrated luxury with less commitment of time and additional savings.

In all, 17 abbreviated Crystal Getaways have been added to Crystal’s 2017 roster of worldwide voyages, exploring the lush islands of the Seychelles, the UNESCO-recognized wine country of Bordeaux, the grandeur and innovation of the United Arab Emirates, the coast of the Cape of Good Hope, and the sparkling Christmas markets of Germany, Austria and Hungary.

Sealink will commence services to Rottnest Island WA 

SeaLink Travel Group Limited is expanding operations for Captain Cook Cruises in Western Australia by introducing services to Rottnest Island, commencing in November 2017.

Captain Cook Cruises will commence the Rottnest Island service with its 400-passenger high speed water jet catamaran ferry MV Capricornian Sunset, which will be redeployed from SeaLink’s Gladstone operations. The vessel will operate between Fremantle and the Main Jetty on the Island, and will tie in with Captain Cook Cruises’ existing Swan River operations, ensuring a seamless transfer from the Perth CBD to Rottnest Island.

Rottnest Island is an iconic tourism destination for not only Western Australians but all Australian and International visitors. The market for Rottnest Island has been constrained by lack of capacity during peak periods and this will be addressed by the opportunity to access the Island with SeaLink.

Scheduling and pricing for the Rottenest Island service will be released closer to the commencement of operations.

APT Wine Series A Fine Drop

APT’s 2018 Wine Series cruises dive deep into the rich European history of wine making on their all-inclusive river cruises. With three stunning itinerates to choose from, varying destinations, departure dates and durations, the indulgent series has something for everyone.

All Wine Series journeys include personalised wine experiences, such as meeting local vintners, exploring historical vineyards, learning the traditional wine-making techniques and partaking in a wine harvest activities.

The 15-day Magnificent Europe –Wine Series river cruise travels from Amsterdam to Budapest. Exclusive to this Wine Series cruise, visit the impressive Schloss Schonborn estate, a founding member of the Association of German Pradikat Wine Estates, for a tour and wine tasting. Sample the one-of-a-kind Wiener Gemischter Satz wine at Weingut & Heuriger Christ.

The tour also features three of APT’s exclusive Royal Signature Experiences; a lavish banquet at Namedy Castle; a rail journey between Linz and Passau aboard the luxurious Majestic Imperator train; and the chance to visit Vienna’s City Palace for a private cocktail reception and concert featuring members of the Mozart Boys’ Choir. Prices start from $9,095* per person, twin share.

Europe’s Riviera Travel comes to Australia 

The booming river cruise market in Australia is set to be disrupted by the emergence here of a major, European river cruise line that operates differently to competitors but has been relatively unknown to most Australians up to now – Riviera Travel. Offering inclusive, five-star cruises at fares up to 50 per cent lower than river companies more established in Australia, Riviera Travel has targeted locals with a dedicated website and brochure – both in Australian dollars.

The award-winning, UK-based company – the largest supplier of European river cruises in Britain – is also supporting Australian travel agents with a dedicated sales manager, set commissions, a no-direct-booking policy and a new distribution channel steered by wholesalers Cruiseco and Cruise Traveller, which allows Australians to book a Riviera Travel river cruise through any travel agent.

In a move certain to be welcomed by Australian cruisers, Riviera Travel does not include automatic gratuities in fares, allowing guests to tip as they like. And unlike other lines, Riviera also proudly promotes a simple, transparent and affordable fare structure, with no hidden costs, and a no-discounting policy which saves guests from discovering fellow passengers have paid less than them for the same cabin.

Voted the 2017 Travel Brand of the Year by UK’s largest consumer body, Which? – the equivalent of Australia’s Choice – and ranked by British travel agents in 2016 as the best river cruise operator in the TTG Travel Awards, Riviera Travel will offer 250 cruises on nine European rivers and waterways this year while in 2018, Riviera’s biggest-yet fleet of 11 luxury ships will carry a record number of guests on 300 cruises.

Kids Eat, Play and Cruise for Free on Captain Cruises Fiji

Kids in Jaccuzzi on Reef Endeavour 1

Family of four can save up to A$4668 with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s, ‘Kids Eat, Play and Cruise for free’ deal. The deal is valid on all three, four, seven and eleven-night Yasawa Island and Northern Discovery Fiji cruises. The deal is on-sale until 1st October 2017 and valid for travel selected cruise departures until 7th November 2017 and on all departures from 18th November 2017 to 31st March 2018.

As well as being immersed in Fijian culture, families will have hours of fun kayaking, snorkelling over coral reefs, playing or relaxing on white sandy beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters, and learning about marine life on a glass bottom boat ride. A Complimentary Captain’s Kid’s Club is available for children 5-9 years , allowing parent’s time to relax.

Kids eat, play and cruise for free deal is valid for every child aged 5 – 17yrs travelling with an adult on three, four, seven or eleven- night Yasawa Island and discovery cruises. Early Booking Savers fares in a family cabin for two adults and two children (5-17yrs) start from A$2392 for the three-night cruise, save A$3668; from A$3192 for the four-night cruise, save A$1696, from A$5024 for the seven-night cruise, save A$2830 and from A$8776 for the eleven-night cruise, save A$4668.

National Geographic Quest departs on inaugural voyage 

Lindblad, National Geographic Quest Launch. Image Credit Ian Strachan

Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Quest, the line’s first new build in the history of the company, commenced her inaugural voyage on Saturday 29 July, as she set sail from Juneau. The most state-of-the-art expedition ship designed and purpose-built in the US, she departed with very excited guests for an 8-day expedition exploring Southeast Alaska.

The 100-guest National Geographic Quest will operate on the popular “Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness” expedition through August 26, and will finish off the Alaska season with a “Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia” departure on September 2, 2017.

The ship will then remain in the Pacific Northwest for a series of new voyages between Seattle and Vancouver, with stops in the San Juan Islands, Victoria, Alert Bay, and more far reaching stops in British Columbia’s channels and fjords. Beginning in December 2017, she will reposition and operate expeditions in Costa Rica and Panama before kicking off a series of new voyages in Belize and Guatemala starting in February, 2018.

Seven Seas Explorer celebrate first anniversary 

To mark Seven Seas Explorer’s first anniversary, Regent Seven Seas Cruises launched a new 360-degree Virtual Tours series on the line’s website. The cruise line known for the Most Inclusive Luxury Experience™ now invites all travellers to tour Seven Seas Explorer’s lavish suites, elegant restaurants and exquisite public spaces.

“The meticulous craftsmanship and artistry behind Seven Seas Explorer are undeniable,” said Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“Launched in Monte Carlo a year ago and with nearly 40 sailings, Seven Seas Explorer has exceeded every expectation, thanks to each and every member of the exceptional staff and crew that deliver the highly personalised service for which Regent is renowned. If you haven’t had a chance to sail aboard Seven Seas Explorer, this is a great opportunity to see what you’ve been missing.”

Bonus commission for Norwegian Jewel bookings

Norwegian Cruise Line is offering all Australian retail travel agents a bonus 5% commission on select Norwegian Jewel sailings as a thank you to travel agents for their continued support, and to celebrate 100 days until Jewel’s arrival in Sydney Harbour this November. The bonus commission is valid for bookings made between July 31 to August 14 on Norwegian Jewel’s forthcoming Australia/New Zealand season for cruises departing between November 2017 and February 2018.

Norwegian Jewel’s November 2017 to March 2018 season includes 15 incredible sailings around the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, visiting iconic Australian ports from Tasmania to Darwin, including seven Sydney round-trip cruises.

The bonus 5% commission is combinable with Norwegian Jewel’s enticing new consumer offer, which entitles those booking balcony-level staterooms or above to save 50% off the second guest. The offer is valid on a twin share basis for Norwegian Jewel cruises between 30 November 2017 and 10 February 2018.

Viking Cruises launches 20 years of cruising celebration sale

To celebrate 20 years of cruising, Viking Cruises has launched a special two-month celebration sale.

A 24-page national newspaper insert will land this weekend to kick off the campaign. The insert features Viking’s most popular ocean and river itineraries as well as the newly launched, only with Viking, river and ocean combination cruises. All celebration offers are available until 30 September 2017.

“We are looking forward to bringing our beautiful ocean ships to consumer and trade partners in 2018, when Viking Sun will visit several Australian and New Zealand ports as part of our first ever world cruise, and then again when Viking Spirit will homeport out of Australia and New Zealand for three months at the end of 2018,” Managing Director Viking Cruises Australia and New Zealand, Michelle Black said.

Travel agents can order their copies of the insert from Brochure Flow on brochureflow.tollgroup.com.

The American Duchess arrives in New Orleans for final preparations 

The new all-suite, 166-guest American Duchess, has arrived in New Orleans to undergo final preparations for her August 14, 2017 inaugural sailing. The luxurious paddlewheeler has been built from the hull up in Morgan City, Louisiana supporting nearly 200 U.S. manufacturing jobs

Owned and operated by the American Queen Steamboat Company, the American Duchess will join the U.S.-flagged fleet of the American Queen and American Empress to become the third vessel of the riverboat company. Through boat construction and sailings on flagship American Queen in 2017, the company has delivered a year-to-date economic impact of $8.8 million in direct expenditures for the state of Louisiana alone.

The American Duchess will offer guests an intimate experience through America’s heartland with the largest suites on the river in every category, which will be fitted to the American Queen Steamboat Company’s highest standards. The 166-guest American Duchess follows in the pedigree of the line’s namesake American Queen, sailing the mighty Mississippi and her tributaries. New for the line, the American Duchess will offer overnight stays in port including the heart of Nashville as well as shorter roundtrip itineraries from the “Music City” and New Orleans. For added convenience, guests can also enjoy departures from Chicago (Ottawa, Il.) for the first time.

Norwegian Sun Cruises to Cuba now on sale

image002

Norwegian Cruise Line have now opened their 2018 cruises to Cuba aboard Norwegian Sun, which will homeport in Port Canaveral starting in May 2018, following a dry dock enhancement. Norwegian Sun’s new all-inclusive four-day cruises to Cuba will depart Port Canaveral each Monday, beginning 7 May , 2018, and feature a call on Key West, Florida on Tuesdays, followed by an early morning arrival to Cuba’s capital city of Havana on Wednesday, allowing guests the opportunity to experience a full day and night of exploration.

Norwegian Sun accommodates 1,936 guests, providing freedom, flexibility and superior guest service with 16 dining options, 12 bars and lounges, entertainment options for all ages and more. All guests sailing aboard one of Norwegian Sun’s Cuba or Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral will also enjoy unlimited complimentary beverages included in their cruise fare as a part of the ship’s all-inclusive program.

For a limited time, guests can take advantage of Norwegian’s Havana Nights offer and enjoy US$50 in free onboard spending money** when they book a new cruise now through August 31 for 2017 and 2018 Cuba sailings. Those who act fast and take advantage of Norwegian’s Havana Nights can also enjoy US$50 deposits*** now through August 7.

Latest News